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Bolster pillows, also called lumbar pillows or neckrolls, are the long, cylindrical pillows you often see at each end of a daybed. Simple, elegant and less bulky than other pillow styles, bolsters often also feature in magazine bedding displays and show homes. Before you begin measuring fabric, select the bolster forms you intend to go inside your pillowcases. Choose forms that are as long as the daybed is deep. If you can't find forms of that length, choose longer forms made of foam that you can cut to size.

1

Add 1 inch to the length of the bolster form. You should already know the length, because you used it to buy the form, but when you need to measure again, do so. This plus 1-inch seam allowance gives you the length for the rectangle of fabric that covers the cylinder.

2

Measure the circumference of the form. For an accurate measurement, keep the tape tight enough to touch the form all the way around but just loose enough not to compress it. Add 1 inch to the measurement. This gives you the width for the rectangle.

3

Measure the diameter of the circles on the ends of the form. Add 1 inch to the measurement. This gives you the diameter of the circles you'll cut to cover the ends. To mark the circles on the fabric, use a compass or a circular household object with the appropriate diameter, such as a bowl or the base of a table lamp.

4

Add 3 inches to the width of the rectangle to find the length of the piping for each end. Cut two strips of piping, each to this length.

Things You Will Need

Cloth measuring tape

Compass or circular object

Tip

Some bolster pillows have tied-off ends instead of flat ends, so they look like candies with twisted wrappers. To measure for this kind of bolster pillow, add several inches to each end of the length, keep the width the same and omit the circular end pieces. The exact length measurement depends on how long you want the tied ends to be.

About the Author

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.